Trainer Kim Bailey has high hopes for Denman Chase contender Imperial Aura
Trainer Kim Bailey says his Denman Chase contender Imperial Aura is undiminished despite the nine-year-old failing to finish his last four races.
Month: February 2022
Munnings Colt Oh ‘Zo’ Good at Oaklawn
Sent off the 39-10 second choice behind even-money Barossa (Into Mischief), Barry and Joni Butzow's Zozos (Munnings) sat a tracking trip and shot clear from the market leader to become yet another 'TDN Rising Star' Friday at Oaklawn Park.
Making his first start for Rodolphe Brisset, having previously been trained by Bob Baffert, Barossa–a latest distant third in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity–showed the most early interest, but Florent Geroux aboard Zozos would not allow that rival to steal away on an easy lead. Held right at Barossa's flank, Zozos was switched off nicely through a half in :48.92 and gained inches on the front-runner without being asked on the turn. Asked to win his race at the quarter pole, Zozos displayed a dazzling turn of foot to blow the race wide open, covering his final 2 1/2 furlongs in a very sharp :30.15 seconds, with a final sixteenth of a mile in an excellent :6.06 to score decisively and with apparently something in reserve.
Zozos was having his first start around two turns Friday and was shipping in from New Orleans, where he posted a half-length victory in a six-furlong Fair Grounds maiden Jan. 23. Zozos is the ninth 'Rising Star' for Munnings, who has also been represented this season by 'Rising Star' Shahama, last seen easily taking the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas at Meydan in late January.
The Butzows acquired the dam of Zozos for $57,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September and raced her to nine victories and eight minor placings from 32 starts for earnings north of $233,000. Papa Forest is due to another Coolmore stallion, Classic Empire, for 2022.
8th-Oaklawn, $100,000, Alw (NW1$X), Opt. Clm ($100,000), 2-11, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:44.40, ft, 10 1/4 lengths.
ZOZOS, c, 3, by Munnings
1st Dam: Papa's Forest, by Forestry
2nd Dam: Dixie Sue, by Dixieland Band
3rd Dam: Barbara Sue, by Big Spruce
Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $91,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O/B-Barry & Joni Butzow (KY); T-Brad H Cox.
The post Munnings Colt Oh ‘Zo’ Good at Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
Robin Goodfellow’s racing tips: Best bets for Saturday, February 12
Sportsmail's racing expert Robin Goodfellow dishes out his tips for Saturday's meetings at Lingfield, Newbury, Uttoxeter, Warwick and Wolverhampton.
California Retirement Management Account Elects Billy Koch As Board President
The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a non-profit organization that provides funding for retirement of California-raced Thoroughbred horses, announced Friday that Billy Koch has been unanimously elected board president.
Nominated by his predecessor, Candace Coder-Chew, whose term expired in January, Koch fills the position perfectly by bringing a key perspective and infectious enthusiasm to the board.
As the Founder and Managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing, one of the largest and most successful syndicates in horse racing, Billy Koch has his finger on the pulse of the future of Thoroughbred ownership.
“Retirement of our horses is an absolute priority,” said Koch. “These amazing animals are the sole reason any of us are in this game and they deserve every ounce of our support once their racing careers are over. This responsibility falls on owners, trainers, jockeys, players, ADW providers, and our racetrack partners. Organizations like CARMA and our very own LRF Cares continue to step up, but we need more assistance from all areas of the horse racing world to make sure our horses are continually cared for. I am honored to serve as the next President of CARMA and look forward to working with the dedicated and passionate industry professionals that make up CARMA's board of directors as we continue to fulfill our mission of funding racehorse retirement.”
“There is no one who deserves this title more than Billy,” said CARMA's past-president Candace Coder-Chew. “He has been a committed and active member of the board and executive committee since his appointment in 2015 and I am confident he will lead the organization with the energy and enthusiasm he is known for.”
In his previous role as Treasurer, Koch was instrumental in developing and implementing the CARMAthon virtual fundraisers in 2020 and 2021. Under his leadership, these popular online events raised more than $300,000 for retired racehorses. During a time of great uncertainty for non-profits across the country, Koch's ingenuity, and creativity lead to the creation of CARMA's most successful events to date.
“We are thrilled Billy has agreed to lead the organization,” said CARMA Executive Director Lucinda Lovitt, “His enthusiasm and dedication to this industry is without compare, so having him serve as President is of great benefit to the organization.”
The post California Retirement Management Account Elects Billy Koch As Board President appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
